Tannins & Hops is a gem among Peoria’s live music venues and we are sad to hear that operations have been suspended.

Brian Harlan, owner, told the Journal Star that he hopes the closing due to financial issues will be temporary. “Business during Summer is slow.” He added that weekend traffic isn’t enough to pay all the bills.

While my first attempt to visit Tannins & Hops didn’t end well, (I didn’t yet ‘get’ the speakeasy nature of the bar and wasn’t able to find it…) it quickly grew to be one of my favorites to stop by for a drink and some great live music.

Tannins & Hops is a guaranteed experience that Peorians and visitors won’t find anywhere nearby. The speakeasy, reminiscent of those likely found in Peoria during the Prohibition era, often had live music and always had a fun atmosphere. The staff was great too. I can’t think of many places where I’ve never come across a staff member who was off their game for the night. It happens from time to time… I’m an understanding person and I roll with it. But I never had that happen at Tannins & Hops. The employees all seemed to be enjoying themselves while working there.

One of the things I learned from Harlan during a visit from Peoria Music Live was about the time-period clothing often worn by staff in the venue when I commented on the way the waitresses in flapper dresses helped set the tone for the whole experience. “That is not a mandatory uniform. The waitresses wearing flapper dresses tonight wore them because they chose to.”

Harlan obviously loved what he was doing. I’ve seen several Facebook posts over the last year about Harlan showing guests how to open a wine bottle with a knife. In fact, I have often seen him out in the bar and restaurant talking to guests, helping where needed, and making sure the customer experience goes smoothly.

We’ve posted about many musicians playing there in the last year and a half. On this post are videos from the Nathan Taylor Trio and Hot Sauce Universe, but we’ve seen numerous artists there including Three & A Half Men, Goodnight Gracie, David McDonald, and many oth

We hope to be able to post about the re-opening of this fantastically unique venue soon so that more people can enjoy the live music and fun atmosphere of Tannins & Hops!

Tell us in the comments who you enjoyed going to see and who you hope to see in the future at Tannins & Hops!

See more of this story at the Peoria Journal Star HERE.